The death toll from the landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to 158 as rescuers battle challenging conditions, including incessant rain, in their search for survivors.
In the hamlet of Mundakkai, which was devastated by the landslides, rescue operations are being hindered by massive boulders and fallen trees.
“There is a possibility that bodies are buried under the mud. Rescuers require heavy equipment to cut through the collapsed houses, but we are currently unable to transport the machinery across the river,” said Kerala Chief Secretary V. Venu. He said that a Bailey Bridge, being constructed by the Indian Army, is expected to be completed by tomorrow.
The Indian Army has rescued 1,000 people and is working on constructing an alternate bridge after the main bridge linking Mundakkai to the nearest town, Chooralmala, was destroyed.
Around 1,200 personnel from the Indian Army, Defence Security Corps, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and IAF are deployed in the affected areas.
“A large contingent of rescue workers is currently combing through Mundakkai and the upper regions to search for survivors and recover bodies. Identifying bodies found downstream will be challenging due to their condition,” Venu said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a meeting this morning to review the rescue operations and is scheduled to visit Wayanad on Thursday for a state-level all-party meeting.
“During the review meeting, the National Disaster Management Authority pointed out that they may be in a position to requisition ground penetrating radar that can be mounted on drones,” Venu said.
Navy teams from the Ezhimala Naval Base arrived in Chooralmala this morning, and sniffer dogs from an Army canine unit have joined the search efforts. Hundreds remain missing, with Mundakkai and Chooralmala being the most severely affected areas.
The Indian Coast Guard is also actively involved in the rescue and relief operations. CM Vijayan said that 45 camps have been set up in Wayanad, providing shelter to over 3,000 displaced people.
Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan said, “We have requested that the government provide house rent assistance to all displaced persons. We will address these issues in tomorrow’s all-party meeting. We stand with the government to overcome this crisis.”
On Wednesday, a team of forest officials and Army personnel successfully rescued 19 civilians stranded in the Ela Resort and Vana Rani Resort near Mundakkai, the Defence PRO for Kerala said.
(With inputs from agencies)